Rotten State of Fiji.

The much awaited R.T.U Bill Committee has recommended minor changes that won't go down easily with Labour Party officials or the Fiji Army. Fiji Law Society's initial
response is sign of the de-sensitizing of immorality. This culture of abuse has spread to utilities like Fiji Electricity Authority in trying to wriggle out of the compensation ruling.

It is quite clear that any more Laws will have the same fate in Parliament as the Land A.L.T.A Bill.
Traffic Laws in Fiji are out of step with technology which the proposed accident database hopes to provide insight.

Fiji Sun's fantastic Editorial only echos the sentiments of Stuck in Fiji mud. Kudo's for finally getting enough courage to state the facts of this socio-cultural mud, that Fiji and her people are stuck in.

Friday 2nd December,2005

The chiefs’ dilemma

Questions posed by one of the nation's leading churches on the ability - or willingness - of the chiefs to influence the behaviour of their people point to the slow but very sure creation of a gap between the chiefs and everyday Fijian life.

For while the Great Council Chiefs addresses what it conceives to be the great issues of the day, the primary concerns of many of their people may very well lie elsewhere. This is not to say that the issues addressed by the GCC are not grave. Of course the Unity Bill, the poverty level among indigenous Fijians and the land issue to name but three are extremely important to the future of the country.

But there is a growing perception that these issues are matters for the Government which will no doubt take on board the advice of the council but at the end of the day will make a political decision. The chiefs can advise. They cannot decide. And therein lies the dilemma for the chiefs.

They need to remain relevant to the daily lives of the people but find it difficult to do so without the decision-making power to influence those lives. We are trying to run a semi-feudal system in tandem with a modern democracy. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive but there are great obstacles to be overcome.

Ethnic Fijians - and most people of non-indigenous backgrounds - admire and respect the chiefs. They look to them for wisdom and guidance especially in times of national turmoil. However, they rarely look to them for action, possibly for the simple reason that the chiefs' room for movement has been eroded over the years, not so much by law but by practice.
That can change. The chiefs might do well to consider a more practical role in the affairs of the people.

For example, there is widespread concern at the level of break-ins and violent crime most of which are committed by young Fijians. The police do a good job of rounding them up and many end in our jails which, through neglect, have become little more than finishing schools for budding criminals.

But all of those young men owe allegiance to a chief or chiefs. Yet the public rarely hears to voices of chiefs raised in favour of ending or at least curtailing this dangerous trend in society. A concerted campaign by the Great Council of Chiefs would have the dual effect of making the people feel safer in the streets and in their homes while affording the chiefs an opportunity to make a real difference to people's everyday lives.

Stuck in Fiji wishes the Fiji 7's team well in the I.R.B sanctioned Dubai International 7s Grand Prix.

Club Em Designs

Muddy Excuses Galore.

The indirect cost for Rape is astronomical, however when compared with the Corruption related costs, it is a drop in the bucket.

Yet Qarase has chosen to defend the words and actions of convicted chief and Senator.
Neglecting the bigger log of financial abuse in his own political eye and is arrogant to point out flaws in others.

While the 500 pound Gorilla issue of land and it's lack of development is gathering dust in the national discourse.

Finally the matter of investments reports by native Fijian instruments of abuse, who routinely disguise their poor performance and unbridalled spending spree with more excuses for their faults. While the real landowners and other individuals of less influence are dis-enfranchised.


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Unlevel playing fields in Fiji.

Great Council of Chiefs Chairman's comments, attempts to distance themselves from the alarming statistics that they have known for ages, about the abuse.

Yet what can G.C.C really offer
the people of Fiji, besides empty talk?

Added to the woes of Fiji, is the rotten stench of corruption in Government owned companies like Fiji Pine Ltd and Tropic Woods Ltd, by individuals who are suppose to be pillars of society. The matter of the Supervisor of Election who is on study leave, raises serious questions on the approval process for his leave.

The efforts to enhance I.T education is a nice gesture that is piece-meal approach lacking more incentives and changes to the national curriculum.


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Twist and Shout in Fiji Politics.

Stuck in Fiji Mud wishes to welcome the Fiji Police into cyber space by the launch of their new website.

Finance Minister is quite quick to point out the hesitation of the Private Sector to participate in the growth of Fiji's economy because of the lack of incentives that motives people.



Yet Fiji Government has the money to fly the Foreign Affairs Minister across the globe, so he can get promises of trade- neglecting the untapped wealth of potential existing in the former Fiji residents living abroad, who can drive the demand for Fiji products.


Mahogany Landowners threaten to shut down plantations is joining the chorus of other landowners frustrated with N.L.T.B, like observed during the Monasavu Land Claim which now has a new twist that only places more heat on the need for a national enquiry into the whole affair independent of N.L.T.B, despite denials and counter-accusations by Forestry Minister. The flawed wealth distribution formula in Fiji, has forced Provinces to develop their own plans.

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Muddy rhetoric from Qarase.

Qarase is launching another campaign to use land as a political football.

This is a reprehensive statment by Fiji's Prime Minster that glosses over the Monasavu debacle, Mago islanders, Yaqara landowners and Vatukoula landowners.

Yes, you have forgotten them Mister Prime Minister. Don't use the landowner's name for your pathetic policies or political agendas.

Fiji 2006 Elections has incorporated Identification Cards to ward off impersonators, highlighting a new way to conduct business.

Finance Ministry says Government will have to reduce capital investment spending. State of perpetual borrowing is now rapidly becoming the only option available to them because of the lack of imagination in Accounting.

Members of Parliament wanting an upgrade in Parliament buildings, need to remind themselves of the squalor that their own constituents live in.

It is quite in-sensitive to keep spending on the institutions especially when there is no money for the public services.

Fiji Panoramic
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This Kava, is for you. Cheers!
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Rising Aspirations of Fiji.

National Alliance Party Chairman, Ratu Epeli Ganilau.
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Fiji Government officials have now set in stone the obvious, despite the rhetoric of affirmative action, the reality is that things have not changed much. 2006 Elections will force these institutions to remember the little people.

Auditor General's demands on access receives suport from Members of Parliament.

The COLA ruling is another false promise that keeps getting churned out by a Government seeking re-election.


Making your own destiny.
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Qarase is resorting to petty attacks on his opponent just highlights the desperation in S.D.L political party prior to 2006 Elections.


Valley of the Brave.
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Rolling out incompetance in Qarase's circle.

Qarase is returning to build bridges with Fijian party S.V.T is an indication that all is not well in S.D.L political circle.

It is apparent that that voter's respect for the S.D.L political party could not get any worse due to the record of corruption and disdain for law and order, seen in their bulldozing the controversial R.T.U Bill through Parliament.

This has prompted Fiji's crooked Attorney General, to create new Code of Conduct Rules for Members of Parliament and other Immigration restrictions that contravene the 1997 Fiji Constitution.

Resources Owner Association President calls for a transparent enquiry into Fiji Forests Industries.

Outlining the track record of lip service using trickle down wealth distribution to the landowners. Done with Fiji Government's blessings!

Fiji Mercernaries operations is being looked at closely by Fiji media after the incident in PNG.


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Water rights in Fiji is a rising issue.
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Indian Snacks in Fiji
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Nadi Town Main Street
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Revisiting past mistakes in Fiji.

Fiji's poverty levels is another rising commodity and is a reflection on the flawed state of Fiji's economic policies.

Lomaiviti Province is re-visiting the colonial land transfers and is a worrying trend that is a product of mis-trust that landowners have of Native Land Trust Board.

That's not the only back stabbing being dished out. It's shocking to hear that dishonesty is originating from Fiji Government's landmark deal with striking Nurses is not been honored.

Details of vote rigging wrapped in the enigma of affirmative action which also involves cronies of S.D.L political party with sweet-heart contracts which the Fiji Prime Minister himself had a hand in sums up the erosion of moral fibre.

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Mystery Shoppers abound in Fiji.

Another indication of Fiji's progress in society is the increase in Sex crimes.

How this correlates to the social fabric of the family is unquestionable. To measure the waste in dollar terms can only be determined by a scientific based research.
Native Lands Trust Board can't seem to manage their affairs judged from the repeated media attention on the complaints from frustrated landowners. Fiji Elections is only a couple of months away, maybe the landowners can take out their frsutrations on
the S.D.L Government.

This article only underlines the extent of which Fijian language is becoming extinct due to the absence of any clear direction by Fijian Affairs Board to rectify the situation.

These cronies in Fijian Affairs Board, Native Lands Commision would rather borrow $20 million from the Fijian Trust Fund (a trust account created to receive dividends from Fijian Holdings investments) to construct a commercial building owned and operated by the Great Council of Chiefs. This business plan is painted as essential platform for the advancement Fijian participation in commerce.
A skillful attempt to camouflage the flawed supply side model or trickle down formula of wealth distribution, that ultimately abuses the trust of the Fijian people.

Now an interesting debate arises, which is more important for society, Fiji native institutions or Fijian Native Language and Culture?

Clearly nothing has be done to back up the
lip service of contributions to Viti Culture by every single department in the Fiji Government, besides these small micro-education workshops.

The COLA question is being refered to judicial enquiry another milestone in in-decision and almost parallels shifting the goal posts in negotiations.

The News of Shell Fiji closing operations is only the ripple effects of Royal Dutch Shell over estimating their current stock of crude oil.

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Shell Fiji closing shop.
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Female Economist in Fiji turns heads as well as fiscal policies.
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Bula Sir! Confidence at a young age.
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Seti, Seti! MP OFa Swan and MP Naiqima Lalabalavu.
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Qarase and Indian Foreign Official signing agreements.
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Flooded Streets of Ba.
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The Wrong Way for Fiji Governance.

Fiji Police for U.N Sudan Mission
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Monasavu Landowner's lawyer, Messr Isireli Fa unleashes a full frontal verbal attack on Native Land Trust Board's history of dis-enfranchising Fijian Landowners, creating that legacy of frustration, that Politicians have used for their own advancement. Visiting American Judge drives home, certain legal concerns of constitutional infringement and perils, of any Government playing favorites with organized religous groups.

It these violations of Human Rights that is the cultural norm in Fiji Governance, which Fiji Human Rights Commission intends to rectify, once it
can confirm sustainable and direct funding from Fiji Government to demonstrate that it can meet their obligations ratified under international signed treaties.

It is alarming that, of all the law experts in Fiji Government, they have not placed any urgency to rectify the deplorable living standards in Fiji Prisons.
Precisely the justification, Judges give in releasing convicted Prisoners on bail. Maybe it's a retaliation to the actions of Fiji Prison Commissioner releasing the convicted participants of the 2000 Fiji Coup.

Recently donated Audio-Visual equipment to Fiji Ministry of Information's TV & Film unit, is only
a small quotient in creating a viable Fijian and Rotuman Ethnic TV programs.

Fiji Government must create incentives to lure creative core to Fiji's shores, if not it is fighting a uphill battle in competition with overseas T.V programs, Music imported by Fiji's broadcast media.

Here are selected letters to Fiji Times Editor.

Television deregulation

I REFER to the article where Minister for Communications Marieta Rigamoto claimed she asserted government support for freedom of expression and reiterated its commitment to deregulate the television industry.

That, she said, was evident in the awarding of a TV licence to Western Broadcasting Services Limited. She said the Government planned to establish a Fijian language channel with $70,000 of equipment from Japan.

If the industry is so deregulated, when will the second free station be licensed? — When major shareholders of Fiji TV say it's all right? — Never. When FLP returns to government — yes. The awarding of a licence to WBS is not deregulation of the TV industry. WBS will have the Australian-owned and operated PBS pay channel but it will be available only to a few viewers — those who can afford $50 a month subscription.

The majority of Fiji viewers will never be able to see it.

A donation of equipment worth $70,000 by the Japanese government is about 0.5 per cent of the $10million to $15million needed to set up a fully functioning, Fiji-wide TV service. At least that's what Ken Clark of Fiji TV said years ago.

What is $70,000 of equipment? — One digital video recorder or one camera?

How will the Fijian channel be broadcast? — Free to air as Fiji One or carried on Sky and PBS?

If it is the former, where will the millions come from for the towers, transmitter, transmission facilities, etc?

Why is the Government spending taxpayers money for a Fijian channel?

The Government will better serve everyone's interests by saving expenses and legislating to force all broadcasters to carry X amount of Fijian programs each week.

Other countries such as Australia and New Zealand maintain their localism that way.

Rani Sadler
Pacific Harbour



Education system

FIJI'S education system was imposed by the colonial powers. When the colonists left, it should have been modified to serve the needs of the people.

The changes would benefit many people. The system is failing, as proven by the high dropout rate.

Instead of having a long school break, the break should be optional. That would enable students who failed a subject to repeat it during optional break and enable them to graduate on schedule.

Students who wish to graduate early could take additional subjects during the optional break.

Because of a rigid and slavish following of obsolete rules set up by the colonial powers, a student who fails a subject is required to repeat all the subjects taken.

That is stupid, oppressive and serves no purpose. A student who fails a subject should be permitted to repeat only that subject and continue with the other subjects.

Why divide students into forms? Why not have a list of subjects that need to be completed before graduation and not be concerned about forms at all?

Students who need to work part-time should be able to do so and take fewer classes even though it will delay graduation.

Evening classes will enable working students including parents who were not able to complete school, to take classes.

It is unfortunate Fiji's school system is still following rules imposed during colonial times and fail to meet people's needs.

Frank R. Eggers
Albuquerque
USA

Already paid

THE Government might be attracting praise from some sectors.

It did a favour for the people by removing VAT from some items. In my view, the Government has not performed a miracle.

One will remember that when the Government came into power, there was no VAT on items and the rest was on 10 per cent.

For four years it collected 12.5 per cent tax on basic items. That is 2.5 per cent more than what we would have paid if VAT remained at 10 per cent.

What that meant was that by paying 2.5 per cent more for four years we have paid VAT for the next year at 10 per cent. The Government would have done better to refund what was already paid.

It could defend its action by saying that the increasing cost of living prompted the reaction but if I remember, the costs were quite high in 2001.

In those days, the justification for VAT was that the rich were benefiting more than the poor and that the Government intended to re-divert the money collected to poverty alleviation schemes. So what has changed now?

It is either that only few remain rich or the poverty problem has been solved. It could be that the Government failed in its plans.

At best, it can be described as four bad years of rule and one good year of campaigning. The reasons could be many but the bottom line remains that the wool has been pulled over our eyes and the Government is getting the credit for the things we paid for.

Ashneel Sudhakar
Ba



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